High efficiency light compatibility device

ABSTRACT

An anti-flicker and anti-glow switchable load apparatus to be installed in the light socket of a commonly powered electronic switching device, such as a motion activated light switch. An energy efficient light bulb or lamp, such as a cathode fluorescent lamp or light emitting diode is then screwed into the apparatus. A first embodiment of the present invention includes a switchable light source, a switchable load, a controller, and a voltage sensor. When the present invention in the first embodiment detects a higher voltage, thus indicating the lamp has been switched from the “off” state to the on state, the switchable load is disconnected, and the current is re-routed to pass through the energy efficient lamp.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) of patentapplication having application Ser. No. 15/080,558, filed on Mar. 24,2016, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,706,625, which is aContinuation-in-Part (CIP) of patent application having application Ser.No. 13/683,665, filed on Nov. 21, 2012, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,301,368, which claims the benefit of provisional application havingapplication No. 61/562,425, which was filed on Nov. 21, 2011. All of thepatent applications and issued patents referenced immediately above inthis paragraph are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to lighting circuitry, and moreparticularly, to lighting circuitry for stabilizing operation of a highefficiency lighting element activated by an automated switchingapparatus, such as a light switch motion detector.

Description of Related Art

Higher efficiency lighting elements, such as Cold Cathode FluorescentLamps (CCFL), are becoming extremely popular due to the current “Green”movement. Current government mandates are requiring incandescent bulbsto be phased out of production in favor high efficiency fluorescentlight bulbs, such as CCFLs and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Within thenext few years incandescent light bulbs are not expected to be availablein the marketplace of the United States.

While fluorescent light bulbs provide higher power efficiency and longerlife expectancy, fluorescent light bulbs had several negative factors.For instance, it has been discovered that fluorescent light bulbs do notfunction properly when connected to commonly powered electronicswitching devices such as motion detectors, electronic timers, and otherdevices requiring a low current to pass through the lighting element toprovide power to the electronic switching device while the lightingelement is in the “off” state. This is typically required due to thewiring limitations of residential homes and other building structures,wherein a small current is required to pass through the lighting elementin order to provide current to the electronic switching device.

While the phenomena of current leakage in the off state has existed forquite some time, it has not typically been a problem with incandescentlight bulbs. The filament used in incandescent light bulbs allows smallcurrents to pass through the incandescent light bulbs without lightingthe bulb because the small current does not experience enough resistanceto cause the filament to heat up and glow or light.

High efficiency light bulbs such as Compact Fluorescent (CFL), halogenand Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) require very little current to operate.When these types of bulbs are installed into a circuit with some form ofload control switch such as a motion detect switch (Passive InfraredSensor, PIR), Timer, Dimmer switch, or any parasitic load controldevice, the high efficiency bulb, depending on the type, will eitherflash on and off (flicker) or glow dimly when the switch is in an offstate. The reason for this condition with the various bulbs is due tothe parasitic load control device when in an “off” state has someminimal level of leakage current which it adversely effects the highefficiency bulbs and the bulbs attempt to turn on. Quiescent current isrequired to power the parasitic load device in a shutdown conditionwhich allows the parasitic load control device (automatic controlswitch) to operate.

Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a convenient and easilyinstalled apparatus by consumers that can eliminate the flicker and glowfrom high efficiency lighting elements using commonly power electronicswitching devices.

ASPECT AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In order to achieve these goals, an aspect of the present invention isto provide an inexpensive and energy efficient apparatus that can beeasily installed by consumers between a light socket and an energyefficiency lighting element for light sockets controlled by commonlypowered electronic switching devices to prevent flickering and glowingof the energy efficient lighting element during the “off” state.

In order to achieve this aspect, for parasitic load control devicesusing high efficiency bulbs, the required quiescent current must beprevented from reaching the high efficiency bulb. The present inventionachieves this aspect by providing an anti-flicker and anti-glowapparatus to be installed in the light socket of a commonly poweredelectronic switching device, such as a motion activated light switch. Anenergy efficient light bulb or lamp, such as a CCFL, a CathodeFluorescent Lamp (CFL), or an LED is then screwed into the apparatus.The present invention does not require any additional wiring orinstallation procedures. The present invention is simply screwed intothe source light socket, and the energy efficient lamp is screwed into asecond socket within the present invention.

A first embodiment of the present invention includes a switchable lightsource, a switchable load, a controller, and a voltage sensor. A secondembodiment of the present invention includes a switchable load, acontroller, a local power supply, and a voltage sensor. Both embodimentsof the present invention are designed to provide a minimal load for theminor current to pass through in the “off” state. When the presentinvention in the first embodiment detects a higher current passingthrough the minimal load, and therefore a higher voltage, thusindicating the lamp has been switched from the “off” state to the “on”state, the switchable load is disconnected, and the current is re-routedto pass through the energy efficient lamp. Thus, no power is wastedpassing current through the switchable load in the “on” state. In thesecond embodiment, when the present invention detects a higher currentpassing through the minimal load, and therefore a higher voltage, thusindicating the lamp has been switched from the “off” state to the onstate, current through the switchable load is turned off, and the powercurrent is directed to pass through the energy efficient lamp. In thesecond embodiment, the load resistor is used to hold the voltage lowacross the hot and neutral (or ground) line, thus keeping the CCFL fromfiring.

The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred features ofthe present invention so that those skilled in the art may betterunderstand the detailed description of the invention that follows.Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter thatform the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in theart should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed inventionand specific embodiments as a basis for designing or modifying otherstructures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention,and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scopeof the invention in its broadest form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing the insertion of an anti-flickerapparatus configured in accordance with the present invention into aconventional residential light socket wiring diagram;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an anti-flicker apparatus configured inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the block diagram shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an anti-flicker apparatus configured inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the block diagram shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram similar to the circuit shown in FIG. 3,except a capacitor 77 has been added;

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram similar to circuit shown in FIG. 3, exceptthe normally open relay 26 and a low-load resistor 28 have been replacedby a shunting circuit;

FIG. 8 illustrates a resistive shunt circuit configures in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a resistive capacitance shunt circuit configured inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a shunt circuit utilizing a positive temperaturecoefficient device configured in accordance with the present invention;and

FIG. 11 illustrates a circuit diagram of a further embodiment of ananti-flicker controller configured in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit diagram 100of a conventional light socket wiring diagram of a residential home andinternal wall 102, wherein a wall mounted, motion activated light switch104 controlling an energy efficient light 106 is connected to a lightsocket 105 having a standard switched hot wire 107 and a standardneutral (or ground) wire 109. As the diagram illustrates, a completecircuit must be established between hot node 111 and neutral (or ground)node 113 of the light switch socket 108 in order to power the autoswitch, here a motion detector 104, while the energy efficient lamp 106is in the “off” state. While this conventionally is accomplished bypassing a small current through the lamp 106 to complete the circuit andpower the motion detector 104, this results in flickering or a soft glowin energy efficient lamps, as discussed above in the background of theinvention section.

In order to overcome this deficiency in the prior art, the presentinvention provides an anti-flicker or anti-glow switchable loadapparatus 110 to carry the current during the “off” state, thusby-passing the energy efficient lamp 106 in the first embodiment of theinvention, and minimizing current to the energy efficient lamp in thesecond embodiment of the present invention, thereby both first andsecond embodiments of the present invention preventing flickering orglowing of the energy efficient lamp 106. When the motion detectordetects movement, and switches from an “off” state to an “on” state,thus providing increased voltage to the socket 105, the anti-flickerswitchable load apparatus 110 detects the increased voltage, andre-directs or increases current flow, depending upon the embodiment ofthe invention, to the lamp 106 instead of a switchable load containedwithin the anti-flicker switchable load apparatus.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of anti-flicker or anti-glowapparatus 10 configured in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention. The apparatus 10 preferably is configured to beeasily screwed into the original socket 12 of an electronicallyactivated light source, such as an internal wall-mounted motionactivated light switch using an energy efficient lamp 14, such as a CCFLor a CFL. The energy efficient lamp is simply screwed into the lightsocket 18 of the anti-flicker apparatus 10.

Block diagram 16 illustrates the internal electrical components of theanti-flicker apparatus 10 configured in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention. Included in the anti-flickerapparatus 10 are a switchable load 20, a controller 22, a voltage sensor24, and a switchable light source 23. In the illustrated embodiment, theswitchable light source 25 is a Single-Pole Double-Through (SPDT)switch. The anti-flicker apparatus 10 is electrically connected betweenthe light socket 12 and the energy efficient lamp 14. During the “off”state, a minimal current passes though the switchable load 20, thuspreventing enough current to pass through the energy efficient lamp 14to cause flicker or a soft glow. The voltage sensor 24 monitors thelevel of voltage between lines Hot (In) and Neutral (or ground). Whenthe voltage level between lines Hot (In) and Neutral (or ground)increases to a level to indicate the electronic switch, such as a motionsensor, has switched from an “off” state to an “on” state, thecontroller 22 will disconnect the Hot (In) line from switchable load 20,and connect it to Hot (Out) line, thus re-directing all the current tothe lamp 14.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram corresponding to the block diagram shown inFIG. 2. The energy efficient lamp 14 is shown to be connected to theanti-flicker switchable load apparatus 16. The anti-flicker switchableload apparatus 16 includes a normally open relay 26 and a low-loadresistor 28. The normally open relay 26 functions as the controller 22and the voltage sensor 20. The resistor 28 functions as the switchableload 20. In the “off” state, the normal open relay 26 allows the smallcurrent, which provides power to the motion detector, to flow throughline 27, which is connected to open position “O” of relay 26. Thecurrent passes through low-load resistor 28 to provide a completecircuit back to Neutral (or ground) connection B 13. While the relay 28is in the normal open position “O”, no current flows to the lamp 14 vialine 29 because it is an open circuit. While resistor 28 is illustratedas being 17 ohms, resistor 28 can be various low ohms values and stillfunction properly.

When the motion detector detects movement and switches to the “on”state, the voltage level across nodes Hot (A) and Neutral (or ground)(B) increases significantly, which is detected by the normally open“make before brake” relay 26. Sensing the increased voltage, the relay26 switches to the closed position “C,” thus allowing current to flowthrough line 29 to the lamp 14, and then line 27 changes to an openconnection. This design eliminates power loss across the resistor 28during the “on” state. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an anti-flicker oranti-glow switchable load apparatus 50 configured in accordance with asecond embodiment of the present invention. Illustrated is a motiondetector 52 including a light socket 54 that is activated by the motiondetector. The motion detector security light 52 is designed to beelectrically connected and mounted to an electrical switch box for alight fixture having a “hot” wire connection 53 and a “neutral (orground)” wire connection 55. The components of the anti-flickerswitchable load apparatus 50 are illustrated in the block diagram 60shown in FIG. 4. The anti-flicker switchable load apparatus 50 includesa socket 58 for receiving an energy-efficient lamp 56.

The block diagram 60 of the anti-flicker switchable load apparatus 50includes a switchable load 62 with an integrated current sensor, acontroller and local power supply 64, and a voltage sensor 66. Similarto the first embodiment, the switchable load 62 provides a path for thesmall current providing power to the motion detector during the “off”state. The voltage sensor 66 monitors the voltage level between the hotlead 53 and the neutral (or ground) lead 55. When the voltage levelincreases, indicating that the motion detector 52 has detected an objectand switched from the “off” state to the “on” state, the switchableload/current sensor 62 detects the increase in voltage and signals thecontroller and local power supply 64. The controller and local powersupply 64 then opens the switchable load 62, turning off current flowthrough the switchable load 62, which prevents wasting power in thesuitable load, since the energy efficient lamp 56 is fully “on.” When adecrease in voltage is detected by the voltage sensor 66, thus signalingthe motion detector 52 has switched back to an “off” state, thecontroller and local power supply 64 detects the voltage drop from thevoltage sensor 66 and closes the switchable load 62 to re-direct currentthrough the switchable load. This reduces the voltage to the CCFL, thuskeeping it from falsely firing.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the block diagram 60 shown in FIG. 4.Resistors R4 and R5 function as the voltage sensor 66, and themicroprocessor-based control functions as the controller 64. Onesuitable microprocessor that may be utilized in the illustrated circuitis a Texas Instrument microprocessor, part number MSP 430 G2230.Resistors R2, RA and mosfet Q1 function as a switchable load resistor.R2A senses the current flowing through Q1 when Q1 is activated. Thisvoltage in then divided down through resistor R30 and R31 and filteredwith capacitor C10 to provide a current sense of the load to themicroprocessor. When the load is not activated, the controller clampsthe current sensor input to ground in order to prevent over voltagedamage to the controller 70.

The diode bridge B1 converts 120 volts RMS to full wave 180 VDC. Theresistor R1, diode D1, capacitor C2, and zener diode D2 create a 3.3 vpower supply to power the microprocessor 70. The microprocessor 70monitors the voltage across nodes E and F via sense line 72, which islocated between the resistor bridge R4 and R5. The microprocessor alsomonitors the current by measuring the voltage across R2A to determinethe current through the load when Q1 is active. The microprocessor 70 isprogrammed to control the switchable load 62 to provide power for themotion detector 52 in the “off” state. When the controller has switchedoff the load and the motion detector is on, the controller monitors thevoltage across nodes E and F via sense line 71, which is located betweenthe resistor bridge R4 and R5. The microprocessor 70 is programmed tocontrol the switchable load to turn back on when the voltage is too low.

The switchable load 62 includes the mosfet Q1 and the resistive loadbank R2. The mosfet Q1 has a shunt resistor R3 on the gate to ensure themosfet Q1 is off during power up. The microprocessor 70 activates themosfet Q1 when current flow is necessary to provide power to the motiondetector 52 and shuts off when the motion detector 52 has turned on thelight 56 so it does not waste power and overheat the resistive loadbank. The microprocessor 70 also utilizes the current sensor todetermine when the motion detector has turned on and current is largerthan when it is in a quiescent state. This is accomplished though thegate control line 71 in FIG. 1. This embodiment of the microprocessor 70was selected because of its price and ability to implement anintelligent switching load.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram similar to the circuit shown in FIG. 3,except a capacitor has been added.

FIG. 7. is a circuit diagram similar to circuit shown in FIG. 3, exceptthe normally open relay 26 and a low-load resistor 28 have been replacedby a shunting circuit.

Various types of parasitic load control devices were examined by theinventors of the present invention which were not compatible with highefficiency bulbs, in particular, a series of motion detect switches werereviewed in detail. When the device is in motion detector mode and thelamp is supposed to be off, the flickering occurs. It appears the switchis designed so that when the device is in motion detector mode theResistor Capacitor (RC) network is not in parallel with the load. Thisexplains why the flickering occurs when the lamp is supposed to be off.In the motion sensing mode the device is not compatible, presumablysince the RC network is switched out allowing the quiescent current toreach the high efficiency bulb.

The inventors of the present invention determined that a method ofpreventing the quiescent current from reaching the high efficiency bulbis to shunt the current, diverting it to another path within the circuitor lowering the current below the threshold of causing the various typesof high efficiency bulbs to false start.

Shunting methods can range from simple to complex designs to accomplishthis task. The most common ways to sense current are a resistive shunt,the current transformer and the Hall Effect current sensor.

FIG. 8 illustrates a resistive shunt circuit 80 comprised of a resistor82 installed in series with the load, such as an energy efficient lamp14. The series resistor 82 is sized appropriately to prevent quiescentcurrent from reaching the high efficiency bulb and rated for theappropriate full load current when the parasitic load control device isin the “on” state. A resistive shunt circuit 80 installed in parallel tothe load will provide a path to neutral for the quiescent current whenthe parasitic load device is in the “off” state and when the parasiticload device is in the “on” state, the current will be high enough topower the load with limited current flow through the resistive shunt.

FIG. 9 illustrates a resistive capacitive shunt circuit 85 forpreventing quiescent current from reaching the load 14. The resistivecapacitive shunt 85 can be inserted all the time, and it would not needto be switched out of the circuit. If a series resistor is added itwould add some power dissipation but this could be kept low. The RCnetwork shown in FIG. 9 addresses the issue with CCFL and LED basedlamps.

As shown in FIG. 9, a parasitic load control device is illustrated onthe left hand side, and a load 14 is shown on the right hand side, suchas an incandescent lamp, CFL Lamp, LED Lamp, or some combination. Theillustrated RC network is a series parallel combination that is inparallel with the load.

FIG. 10 illustrates a positive temperature coefficient device circuit90. When current is applied that is above the rated trip current level,the temperature rise within the positive temperature coefficient device92 causes the internal resistance to rise very quickly resulting in thedevice protecting itself as well as the protected circuitry. The addedcircuitry is in parallel with the load 14. The added circuitry where thePTCC is used is a series string.

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of a further embodiment of an anti-flickercontroller or high efficiency light compatibility device 200 configuredin accordance with the present invention. Power is applied on leads“in+” and “in−” that connect B1. The diode Bridge B1 converts 120 voltsRMS to full wave 180 VDC. The resistors R1, R2, R4, DIODE D1, capacitorC1 and the zener diode D2 create a 3.3 volt power supply to power themicroprocessor U1. Resistors R6, R5, R7 and Capacitor C2 function as avoltage sensor that is read by the microprocessor U1 on pin 3. When Q1is activated, components RP17, R8, R9 and C3 act as a current monitor.When the load is not activated, the controller clamps the currentsensing input to ground to prevent over voltage damage to thecontroller. Resistors RP0 thru RP17 act as a load when switched on byQ1, which is controlled by U1 threw pin 2. Resistor R3 is used to keepthe load disabled until the microprocessor U1 is out of reset andstabilized. One suitable microprocessor that may be utilized is theillustrated Texas Instrument microprocessor, part number msp430G2230.Connector SV1 and associated connection are used to program themicroprocessor U1 and are not relevant once U1 is programmed.

The microprocessor U1 monitors the current to determine the load when Q1is active. The microprocessor U1 is programmed to control the switchableload to provide power for the external device when it is in the “off”state. When the external device has turned on, the controller 200detects the increase in current and switches off the load. When thecontroller 200 has switched off the load and the motion detector is on,the controller 200 monitors the voltage detector to determine if theexternal device has turned off the power. When this happens thecontroller 200 re-asserts the load to provide power to the externaldevice.

It should also be understood that the present invention is not limitedto the specifically illustrated package designs. For example, thepresent invention also can be located within light socket fixture box,typically located within the ceiling of a home. Further, the presentinvention can be incorporated into various types of electronicsswitches, in addition to electronic switches such as motion detectorsand electronic timers.

1. An apparatus for stabilizing an energy-efficient light connected toan electronic activated device, comprising: a housing including a lightsocket for receiving an energy efficient light having a hot electricallead and a ground electrical lead, and the housing including a threadedbase for screwing into an electrical socket of an electronic activateddevice, wherein the hot electrical lead and the ground electrical leadare electrically connected to the threaded base; and a positivetemperature coefficient device connected between the hot electrical leadand the ground electrical lead, wherein the positive temperaturecoefficient device allows current to pass though the positivetemperature coefficient device between the hot electrical lead and theground electrical lead when voltage between the hot electrical lead andground electrical lead drops below a predetermined low voltage level.